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From strength to strength: An autobiography
Sara Henderson's bestselling autobiography has touched the hearts of thousands of people all over Australia. As tough, spirited, warm and funny as the woman herself, From Strength to Strength is the inspirational story of one woman's extraordinary courage and determination.
In 1959 Sara met American war hero and shipping magnate Charles Henderson III, and so began what she calls the world's most demanding, humiliating and challenging obstacle course any human could be expected to endure.
Three years after their marriage, Charles presented Sara with her new home - a tin shack in a million acres of red dust. Bullo River. After twenty years of back-breaking work on this remote Northern Australian cattle station, Charlie's death revealed that Sara had not only been left with a floundering property, but also with a heart-breaking mountain of debt.
With very little to lose, Sara and her daughters Maree and Danielle, took up the challenge of rebuilding Bullo River... with such tremendous results that in 1991 Sara was named the Bulletin/Qantas Businesswoman of the Year.
In 1959 Sara met American war hero and shipping magnate Charles Henderson III, and so began what she calls the world's most demanding, humiliating and challenging obstacle course any human could be expected to endure.
Three years after their marriage, Charles presented Sara with her new home - a tin shack in a million acres of red dust. Bullo River. After twenty years of back-breaking work on this remote Northern Australian cattle station, Charlie's death revealed that Sara had not only been left with a floundering property, but also with a heart-breaking mountain of debt.
With very little to lose, Sara and her daughters Maree and Danielle, took up the challenge of rebuilding Bullo River... with such tremendous results that in 1991 Sara was named the Bulletin/Qantas Businesswoman of the Year.
337 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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281 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 16, 2008
I almost put this autobiography down in disgust while reading about Sara Henderson's youthful romance with and marriage to a man who was so obviously bad news that I thought I wasn't interested in knowing about a life that included him. My wife, who'd read this first, kept me reading by saying that Charlie fades into the background and the story becomes one of Sara, here children, and her helpers making a life out of incredible hardship in the Australian outback.
I'm glad I kept reading for two reasons. One is that Sara, whom I came to admire as a character in her own book, did succeed on her own as a cattle-station owner/manager. Her efforts were recognized and rewarded by a business-woman-of-the-year award.
The other is the way she tells off bad-news Charlie in the "Epilogue." As I think some of my Aussie friends might say, "Well, it was about bloody time," but at least, she did. I'm glad I stuck this one out to the end. I know now that I never want to raise cattle in the outback. Not that I ever thought I did, but...
I'm glad I kept reading for two reasons. One is that Sara, whom I came to admire as a character in her own book, did succeed on her own as a cattle-station owner/manager. Her efforts were recognized and rewarded by a business-woman-of-the-year award.
The other is the way she tells off bad-news Charlie in the "Epilogue." As I think some of my Aussie friends might say, "Well, it was about bloody time," but at least, she did. I'm glad I stuck this one out to the end. I know now that I never want to raise cattle in the outback. Not that I ever thought I did, but...
September 11, 2016
A story about the efforts of an amazing woman, but writing was not one of her talents.
When her unusual husband died Sara Henderson had to start from behind and build her property in NW Australia to a viable operation. Over the years life was brutal but she and her daughters worked through it. Her success turned her into a household name.
However writing a autobiography is very difficult and only for the experienced writers. The book has page after page of interesting, sometimes funny and sometimes emotional matters covering the common to not so common incidents of life.
The book misses the mark badly in two areas, (1) it does a poor job in covering what made her famous, and that is turning the business around. (2) Many general topics are missing important detail, sometimes it can be calculated, sometimes the detail is revealed later and other times it is necessary to search the internet for an answer.
Those issues aside it is an interesting read.
When her unusual husband died Sara Henderson had to start from behind and build her property in NW Australia to a viable operation. Over the years life was brutal but she and her daughters worked through it. Her success turned her into a household name.
However writing a autobiography is very difficult and only for the experienced writers. The book has page after page of interesting, sometimes funny and sometimes emotional matters covering the common to not so common incidents of life.
The book misses the mark badly in two areas, (1) it does a poor job in covering what made her famous, and that is turning the business around. (2) Many general topics are missing important detail, sometimes it can be calculated, sometimes the detail is revealed later and other times it is necessary to search the internet for an answer.
Those issues aside it is an interesting read.
February 27, 2016
Wow! I finally know what all the fuss has been about for the last twenty years!
This story, and this woman, are truly inspirational.
What this woman had to put up at times beggars belief.
The way the story is told also keeps the reader's attention well - it sounds like you're being told a story in person, which is a bonus in autobiographies.
This story, and this woman, are truly inspirational.
What this woman had to put up at times beggars belief.
The way the story is told also keeps the reader's attention well - it sounds like you're being told a story in person, which is a bonus in autobiographies.
December 18, 2018
This book details a story of strength, of course, but also resilience, beauty, love and tragedy. It reminded me of how grateful I am to have grown up in the city too! Sara Henderson was a true "Aussie battler" in many ways, and this book is that story.
December 9, 2022
A fascinating life - in many ways, if this was a fiction book you might complain that it’s not believable! This book spans a life abroad with luxuries and a life in Australian our book full of harsh extremities, all while delicately addressing the nuances of relationships, financial strain and unexpected events. The writing is witty and gracious. Thanks for the recommendation Gran!
April 27, 2013
Just a narrative with little life.
March 13, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book and understand the popularity of the autobiography. What an adventurous life this women led in the hands of her American Husband. But it wasn't until he passed away, that her strength of character was bought forward, which got her through difficult and trying times. It was always there of course, but overlooked and suppressed by her husbands antics and challenges, in their earlier years of marriage. It was as though, he was trying to toughen her up, make her mentally stronger and perhaps he did have this intention. She was born into and lived a privileged lifestyle in her younger years, but that certainly changed when she moved from Singapore to Bullo in the Northern Territory with two young children, with not much else. Her ability to make a stand, willingness to work hard and tackle any task, even those horrendous feasibility studies or fix a old generator motor, without the knowledge or know how, saw a women, like the title, go from strength to strength. She just got on and did it, never gave up, never let something beat her. Amazing, I am in awe and take away a certain pride in her female character, quietly gets things done.
March 12, 2020
In 1991, Sara Henderson was named Australia's Businesswoman of the Year, for her efforts to turn an outback station, Bullo River, into a going concern. The place sounds like a millstone, frankly - Henderson and her daughters work their guts out, for many years with only the most basic of amenities, staggering under enormous debt. Far more debt, really, than they knew, because when Henderson's husband Charles (a war hero who spent most of his time having affairs and behaving like an autocrat) died, it was discovered that his spendthrift ways had run up enormous sums of money that needed to be repaid, further debts that none of them had ever known about.
With a choice to sell the station her family had laboured over for decades - and to perhaps break even, walking away with nothing - or to turn the place around, Henderson plumped for the latter. It comes across as a backbreaking struggle and I think she is underselling just how hard it was, but you have to admire her gumption. I would have liked to see more of the business side of things in the book, as there are times this aspect of it can be pretty light, but all in all it's an interesting and sympathetic read.
With a choice to sell the station her family had laboured over for decades - and to perhaps break even, walking away with nothing - or to turn the place around, Henderson plumped for the latter. It comes across as a backbreaking struggle and I think she is underselling just how hard it was, but you have to admire her gumption. I would have liked to see more of the business side of things in the book, as there are times this aspect of it can be pretty light, but all in all it's an interesting and sympathetic read.
November 13, 2022
Sara Henderson started out as a housewife, married to a charismatic American, but she was an Australian. They met sailing in Sydney Harbor. He dropped a bomb one day out of the blue when they were living in the US with young kids. He had bought a MILLION ACRE CATTLE RANCH in Australia and sort of forgotten to mention it to her. But now that’s where they were going to move.
Again, the ranch (or station as aussies call them) had primitive living conditions in the middle of nowhere. Again, the wife packed up and moved because that’s what the husband said they were doing (this is shocking to us now, and yet it was just a generation before me.)
Sara’s husband stuck it out for 20 years, but then died suddenly and she learned the awful truth. The ranch was “floundering” and she’d inherited enormous debts. Her husband had loved to order people around, but his business and ranching instincts sucked.
She. Was. Screwed.
Sara took over, worked like a superhero, and with her daughters at her side, made the ranch successful. In fact, just five years after her husband died, leaving her and her two daughters with a bankrupt, badly run ranch, the women in the family had turned it around so successfully that Sara was named Quantas Businesswoman of the Year for 1991.
Again, the ranch (or station as aussies call them) had primitive living conditions in the middle of nowhere. Again, the wife packed up and moved because that’s what the husband said they were doing (this is shocking to us now, and yet it was just a generation before me.)
Sara’s husband stuck it out for 20 years, but then died suddenly and she learned the awful truth. The ranch was “floundering” and she’d inherited enormous debts. Her husband had loved to order people around, but his business and ranching instincts sucked.
She. Was. Screwed.
Sara took over, worked like a superhero, and with her daughters at her side, made the ranch successful. In fact, just five years after her husband died, leaving her and her two daughters with a bankrupt, badly run ranch, the women in the family had turned it around so successfully that Sara was named Quantas Businesswoman of the Year for 1991.
June 30, 2020
A very interesting read.....not convinced worthy of all the hype, but pretty well written considering Sara had no training as a writer.
What a roller coaster of a life - from huge privilege and ‘jet set’ living to shanty town existence in the back of beyond.
I can’t say I could relate to this story...so very different from my experiences and I’m at a loss as to why she put up with the obfuscation, infidelity and chauvinism - or the ‘lifestyle’ of those earliest years on the Station. I put it down to Sara being a particular generation of women.
It is very, very sad to think that within a very few years of completing this book, Sara would ‘loose’ not only her life, but a second daughter through litigation. Noteworthy too, that she does not include her daughter Bonnie in the Acknowledgments. For me, that’s a step too far. Maybe Sara was not entirely a heroine?
What a roller coaster of a life - from huge privilege and ‘jet set’ living to shanty town existence in the back of beyond.
I can’t say I could relate to this story...so very different from my experiences and I’m at a loss as to why she put up with the obfuscation, infidelity and chauvinism - or the ‘lifestyle’ of those earliest years on the Station. I put it down to Sara being a particular generation of women.
It is very, very sad to think that within a very few years of completing this book, Sara would ‘loose’ not only her life, but a second daughter through litigation. Noteworthy too, that she does not include her daughter Bonnie in the Acknowledgments. For me, that’s a step too far. Maybe Sara was not entirely a heroine?
December 6, 2024
Was there even an editor for this book? It is made up of story after story with no real coherence. All of a sudden I’m reading it and she mentions three daughters - this was after having read she was having no more due to the traumatic birth of her second AND taking the pill against her husband’s wishes! I went back a few pages to ensure I hadn’t missed anything but I hadn’t. Also her husband abandons her many times in the outback - the last time being to set sail on a boat filled with women!! And she just casually drops this info into a paragraph that includes mustering bulls and cooking dinner. I would have like to hear more about Bonnie but she does say she fears litigation so that maybe the reason she is hardly mentioned. She deserved her Business Woman of the Year award for coping in the outback with a deadbeat husband and very little help. Poorly edited book though.
February 18, 2026
Infuriating book to read on so many levels. Cold, clinical and very unsatisfying. Charles a complete narcissist and control freak who spends more time making lists for everyone and then abuses them. He is overseas with many many women while his wife and children suffer. Then there is the distinction of the family. Yes Sarah did generation going and win businesswoman of the year. But that cost? Her daughters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2018
This is an amazing autobiography. Sara Henderson is honest and tells it as it was. She is amazing and even shows her many flaws, but the reader does learn about inner strength. It is inspirational and a compelling read.
March 2, 2025
I wasn't thinking that I would enjoy this book very much at all.
I read it for a reading challenge. I had to read a book based in a state of Australia I have never been to.
I was pleasantly surprised. Sara's story is one of hardship and strength and resilience.
I read it for a reading challenge. I had to read a book based in a state of Australia I have never been to.
I was pleasantly surprised. Sara's story is one of hardship and strength and resilience.
November 18, 2017
Perfect read for every girl - you can do anything you want in life.
October 5, 2018
A tsunami of anecdotes, all told in the chatty, light tone of a Christmas-letter. Why this ever became a best seller eludes me.
July 21, 2019
Interesting
August 13, 2021
Een vlot geschreven biografie van Sara Henderson. Een bewogen leven dat zich grotendeels afspeelt op een ranch in Australië. Boeiend om te lezen over het leven in de outback van Australië.
April 2, 2025
An incredibly strong woman to have managed in the outback raising children and managing husband and bringing the property out of debt when he husband died. A true blue Aussie heroine
April 5, 2025
A no BS story about the joys and tribulations of managing a Station in the Northern part of the NT, Australia 🇦🇺
April 24, 2016
As I really liked Terry Underwood's In The Middle Of Nowhere, I thought From strength to strength might be a good choice too. But to me, it was a bit disappointing to be honest. Maybe I should have read these two books in a different order :-)
September 30, 2014
I want to meet Sara Henderson.
And I'd give the book 5 stars if it didn't end so abruptly.
And if she'd drop kicked Charles about 5...no, 10 years before he died.
It's one of the rare books I stayed up past 10 p.m. to read for three nights, living 30 years right alongside her every page.
If you're into world travel, adventure on the high seas, history, agriculture, people who persevere with humor and grace, happy endings (that you despair will ever come), then this book is for you!
And I'd give the book 5 stars if it didn't end so abruptly.
And if she'd drop kicked Charles about 5...no, 10 years before he died.
It's one of the rare books I stayed up past 10 p.m. to read for three nights, living 30 years right alongside her every page.
If you're into world travel, adventure on the high seas, history, agriculture, people who persevere with humor and grace, happy endings (that you despair will ever come), then this book is for you!
January 2, 2011
Whether you are an Australian City Slicker or from another part of our planet this book will delight.
Henderson provides a great intimate look into her life - one not so dissimilar to others in the outback of Australia. You will learn how life really is in a remote and desolate world of outback Australia. You are sure to sympathise with Henderson and the lot of others in a similar situation.
Henderson provides a great intimate look into her life - one not so dissimilar to others in the outback of Australia. You will learn how life really is in a remote and desolate world of outback Australia. You are sure to sympathise with Henderson and the lot of others in a similar situation.
February 26, 2011
Excellent book. A great example of overcoming the worst of what life throws at you. Sara's humour had me giggling sometimes! An enjoyable book, but did get a little tedious when getting deep into the details of farm life/mustering etc. I missed the bit of how her relationship deteriorated with her daughter Bonnie... was I not paying attention!!? Oops!
August 9, 2013
What an extraordinary life, and very entertaining to read about. I enjoyed the book a lot. It seems there was hardly ever a dull moment in the Henderson household and Sarah clearly had no shortage of stories to tell. In some respects I felt the details were glossed over a bit so i would have enjoyed this more if it was spread over two books so it could go more in depth.
March 11, 2009
I had heard about this amazing woman who won the Businesswoman of the Year Award in 1991. She overcame a $750,000 debt left to her by her late husband. What an incredible woman - I loved reading her story full of laughter, sadness and hardship.
March 19, 2010
I had to read this book for Book Club and I didn't expect that I would enjoy it, but I was pleasantly surprised! I'd be interested to read the book by the daughter to hear her side of things, as not much detail was given in this book. Almost makes me want to read the others!
September 21, 2011
This woman certainly had a unique and amazing life. Her story is unreal and very facinating. Such a good read and as you are reading, you realize that Ms Henderson lived the life you are reading about. She really is an amazing and unique individual that lived a hard but good life. Great read!!
December 30, 2014
I read this years ago and enjoyed it then and now with my 2nd reading. She died in 2005 of cancer sadly. Marlee & Sara had a falling out over the property but it is heartening to see Marlee & her husband are still running the property.
April 9, 2016
Great read of a roller coaster life. A woman who shows you don't know how much you can do and achieve until really under the hammer and called on. Not literature, but you have to admire the grit and sheer determination of Sara.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews